Shanghai, China: Uganda’s Peruth Chemutai delivered a sensational performance on Saturday night to win the women’s 3000m steeplechase at the Shanghai Diamond League after edging Kenya’s Faith Cherotich in a thrilling sprint finish.
Chemutai crossed the line in a world-leading and meeting record time of 8:51.47, beating Cherotich by just 0.01 seconds in one of the closest and most dramatic finishes seen on the Diamond League circuit this season.
The victory also saw the Ugandan Olympic silver medallist erase the previous meeting record of 9:07.36 set by Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet in April 2024.
Chemutai looked sharp and composed throughout the race, taking control from the early stages before showing remarkable resilience in the final lap as Cherotich launched a fierce late challenge.
The Kenyan teenager also produced an outstanding display, clocking a season-best 8:51.48 after pushing Chemutai all the way to the finish line.
Tunisia’s Marwa Bouzayani completed the podium in third place after posting 8:58.09.
Fast-paced showdown
The race opened at an aggressive pace, with Ethiopia’s Firehiwot Gesese initially leading the pack before Chemutai surged to the front during the second lap.
Cherotich immediately responded and attached herself to the Ugandan, with the duo gradually pulling away from the rest of the field.
By the halfway mark, the contest had transformed into a direct head-to-head battle between Chemutai and Cherotich, while Bouzayani remained isolated in third position.
As the bell rang for the final lap, Cherotich increased the tempo and attempted to pass Chemutai heading into the home straight.
However, the Ugandan held her composure under pressure and produced one final burst of speed in the closing metres to snatch victory in breathtaking fashion.
The result further strengthens Chemutai’s impressive start to the 2026 season as she continues preparations for upcoming global championships.
Men’s 800m
Elsewhere at the Shanghai meet, Kenya’s Wycliffe Kinyamal finished seventh in the men’s 800m after posting a season-best time of 1:44.61.
The race was won by Ireland’s Mark English, who crossed the finish line in 1:43.85.
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